2017 Policy Outcomes

1) Protect the no-fare bus pass for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. --> VICTORY! The no-fare bus pass program was terminated on February 1st. However, it was restored on July 1st, with full funding for two years, plus a committee to examine sustainable funding strategies going forward.

2) Support safe roads by allowing undocumented Rhode Islanders to obtain driver’s licenses. --> LOSS. The bill was voted down at the Senate committee hearing in June.

3) Help struggling working families by raising the minimum wage and increasing the EITC. --> SOME PROGRESS, BUT STILL MORE LEFT TO BE DONE. A two-tier wage increase will bring the minimum wage from $9.60/hour up to $10.10/hour starting on January 1st, and then $10.50/hour starting on January 1st, 2019.

4) Expand access to quality early childhood care and education. --> SOME PROGRESS, BUT STILL MORE LEFT TO BE DONE. The exit income pilot will be made permanent, allowing families to continue to receive gradually-declining Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) subsidies with incomes up to 225% of the federal poverty level. In addition, increased funding for State Pre-K and State Head Start was included in the budget. However, additional funding for tiered reimbursement rates for CCAP was not included in the budget, nor was an expansion of CCAP eligibility to allow families to enter the program when earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

If you're interested in learning more or becoming a part of our organization, contact Victoria Strang, Director & Lead Organizer, at RIinterfaithcoalition@gmail.com.